Camp Fire candy seller's act of kindness resonates

A day after turning down Camp Fire candy because of illness, Kat Oberman finds a sweeter surprise at her door.

Kat Oberman holds a can of soup left on her doorstep a couple of weekends ago. Oberman was visited by a Camp Fire girl selling candy but didn't buy any because she was sick. A handwritten note accompanied the soup that said, "Get well soon from the Camp Fire girls. I heard soup helps."

Annie Mulligan / For The Herald

A can of soup and a note left on the doorstep of Kat Oberman a couple of weekends ago. Oberman was visited by a Camp Fire girl selling candy but didn't buy any because she was sick. Oberman wants recognition for the kindness.

EVERETT -- Kat Oberman was heading back to bed the morning of Feb. 9, sick to her stomach with flu, when the young girl knocked on her door.The girl said she was in Camp Fire and selling candy for a fundraiser. Would she like to buy some?Oberman said she was very sick and would have to pass. The girl politely left. And Oberman headed off to bed.The next day, Oberman worked herself up to take out the trash. On her doorstep, she found a can of chicken-and-rice soup, and a 3-by-5 card with a smiley face and this note handwritten in red ink: "Get well soon from the Camp Fire girls. I heard soup helps."That note is now on Oberman's refrigerator. And she has been sharing the story with friends and family ever since. She also relayed the story to the Camp Fire Snohomish County Council, which has yet to identify the young candy seller."She deserves so much kudos," Oberman said. "She needs to understand, I'll probably have that note on my refrigerator for years. I'll look at it and know there are amazing, thoughtful people out there. I don't know if she knows how much she touched me. Those little acts of kindness -- they go so far."Camp Fire is a national co-ed youth group serving boys and girls from 3 years through high school, as well as the entire family. The clubs and camps aim to empower young people to make their world a better place.Local leaders say the young candy seller exemplifies what Camp Fire stands for."We are proud to have this young lady represent Camp Fire so well," said Michael Deal, director of operations for Camp Fire Snohomish County.Oberman knows firsthand the benefits of Camp Fire.Growing up in Kirkland, she was involved in Camp Fire from a young age, starting as a Bluebird (now called Starflight), all the way through high school."It's a great organization," said Oberman, now 50. "I like the fact that it promotes goodwill. I like that it's community oriented. You were really taught to think of others -- just like this young girl did."By the way, that candy sale? It continues through today.Need candy?Camp Fire kids are selling a variety of candy for $5. If you would like to buy some, call 425-258-5437 or visit the Camp Fire Training & Resource Center at 4312 Rucker Ave., Everett. But act fast. Today's the last day of the sale. More info: www.campfireusasnohomish.org.

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